Demon Angel

had been older, more secure of his position, would he have taken advantage of the seneschal's weakness? Undoubtedly. But such an action would have been foolhardy; no matter how he wanted it, how it burned bitterly in his gut, he must act in a manner that would ensure his future. He must curb his tongue. He must act with honor—even though Mandeville rarely did the same.
    "A rather disappointing display of cowardice, Sir Pup."
    A woman stood by the gelding's head, stroking the horse's broad cheek. Though her words had been spoken softly, Hugh startled, and her lips tilted into a secretive smile as she looked him over. Her gaze finally rose to meet his, her eyes dark and amused.
    He quickly recovered his composure, but the quick beat of his heart did not immediately ease. Had he been so distracted that she'd been able to sidle up to him undetected? How did she move so swiftly, so silently?
    Like she, he kept his voice low so as not to be overheard by Mandeville. "Cowardice, my lady?"
    For indeed, her clothing declared her such. Her scarlet cloak was thrown back, revealing an overdress of fine black. She wore no cap over her dark hair, though it was parted and bound as severely as any other lady's. No beauty was she, but broad-beamed and flat-featured, like an ill-tempered cow.
    Yet her eyes sparkled with wit and vivacity, as if she would not be contained by her lackluster features, and demureness were a sin.
    "Yes, cowardice. Imagine the power you could wield over him had you the courage to grasp it." Her expression challenged him to take offense. When he made no response, she stepped forward and traced her fingers over his hand, still clenched around the hilt of his sword. Her skin was warm—hot—despite the cool air. "You shook with desire, Sir Hugh. Could it be I'm mistaken, and you have not been aroused by the opportunity to secure a better position within Fordham? If you threatened to bring each member of your party into the temple so they may be shocked and decry his perversity, do you not think he would honor your every request?"
    Her breasts pressed against his leg. His chausses prevented direct contact, but the pressure of her soft, generous curves drew his eyes. Though a moment ago he had not noted any immodesty in her dress, he realized naught hid the upper swell her bosom, and creamy flesh mounded over her neckline. Hugh stared down into the depths of her cleavage and swallowed, finally remembering to reply.
    " 'Honor' is not a word I would associate with profiting from a man's humiliation."
    Her laugh set the mounds a-jiggling. He hastily returned his gaze to her face, and she said, "Do not pretend you aren't tempted, honor or no. I am sorely tempted to expose him, and I'm the one who tied him there."
    Aye, he could easily imagine this woman, with her wicked eyes, binding Sir William and teasing him into the state Hugh had seen. Who was she? She'd known his name, his destination, yet Hugh was certain they'd never met. "If you wish his humiliation, then you must know Sir William well," he said.
    Her grin revealed sharp, white teeth—unexpectedly perfect teeth for someone of her apparent age. "Indeed. Although the position you found him in is a far better indicator of how well I know him." She smoothed her palm over the back of his ankle, unprotected by armor. The heat of her fingers burned through his hose and boots. He shifted his foot in the stirrup. Her breasts heaved upward with the movement, and her hand slid up the length of his calf, hugging his leg against her.
    Trapped by a fine pair of bubbles . Choking back a laugh, he said, "You have me at a disadvantage, my lady, for you know far more than I."
    An unfathomable emotion flickered in her dark eyes. Just as quickly, it disappeared and her amusement shone bright again.
    "An innocent, are you?" Her fingernails tickled the back of his knee, and she smiled when he drew in a sharp breath. "Then perhaps we should make a bargain, and even our playing fields? What would you like?"
    "Your name."
    A harmless request, but unease skittered down his spine as she drew back, her expression triumphant. "A name is nothing, Sir Hugh. Agreed. 'Tis Lilith." Surprise fluttered across his features. Before he could respond to the unusual name, or demand a family and connection, she pursed her lips and added, "And I should like you to announce your presence to Sir William."
    He began shaking his head, and her smile grew disdainful. "Or shall you betray our bargain and